BRIAN DEAR was delighted to see West Ham United record an unlikely Premier League victory at high-flying Chelsea and has now urged Manuel Pellegrini’s men to back up that Stamford Bridge triumph with another resolute display when they head to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.

West Ham stunned the vast majority inside Stamford Bridge on Saturday, resolutely defending Aaron Creswell’s 48th-minute strike t earn their first victory in eight outings. Third-choice goalkeeper, David Martin, provided a solid backbone to underline their success – a feature which has been notably absent from the east Londoners armoury of late.

“It’s been a long time coming, but the players showed that they have it in them,” Dear enthused.

“I don’t think I was the only Hammers supporter who thought we’d get beaten. The goalkeeping change made a difference and reinstalled some confidence. But several players stepped up to the plate after producing disappointing performances of late.

“We now have something to build on and a little more breathing space from the relegation zone. It’s vitally important that we now build on that at Wolves on Wednesday night.”

Dear was aware of the threat the Black Country side offered, adding: “Wolves are a steady side under Nuno Espirito Santo. They are unbeaten in ten Premier League matches and did well against us last season, winning both at home and away. It’ll be tough, no doubt, but Saturday proved we have it in us to get a positive result.

“Beating Chelsea has provided a platform, but now we have to get something from these back-to-back matched with Wolves and Arsenal. I think a point would be a decent return from Molineux. But the team will have to replicate what we saw at the weekend or it will be a case of back to the drawing board for Manuel Pellegrini and his staff.”

On the performance of goalkeeper, Martin, Dear added: “It was a dream debut and you have to give him credit for taking the opportunity.

“David did what was required very well. Sometimes that is all that is required.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United – Head to head:

Wolverhampton Wanderers won: 20 Drawn: 14 West Ham United won: 29

Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United – last five meetings (all competitions):

October 16, 2010 – Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 West Ham United

January 1, 2011 – Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

January 9, 2016 – FA Cup
West Ham United 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

September 1, 2018 – Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

January 29, 2019 – Premier League
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 West Ham United